Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
even from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitor's Center, a real anomaly; in other
cities these are prime sources of information on condos. Arcane laws (with resi-
dency requirements for rentals) penned by casino lobbyists, have also been success-
ful in discouraging agents from getting into the biz. Of all the agencies in town,
only a handful specializes in vacation rentals. I worked with local expert Emily
Richmond to narrow down the choices to the following:
The first,
Las Vegas Home Solutions
(
%
800/856-2426 or 702/361-7474;
www.lasvegashomesolutions.com)
is run by one-man-band Ron Kershaw, who
manages 50 homes total and defines the word “hands on.” “My cellphone is
always on,” says Kershaw. “If your fridge breaks, if you can't figure out how your
TV works, or need directions, I'm always around to help.” Kershaw, who lives in
Vegas, makes taking care of clients his full-time job.
With such a large stable of homes he can customize requests better than other
agencies in town, placing clients in homes that fit their budget and needs. All are
in residential neighborhoods with easy access to I-15 and run the gamut from
one-bedroom condos that can sleep up to four for as little as $100 per night, up
to a 3000-square-foot, five-bedroom house that could comfortably bed a high
school football team and a couple of their coaches, for $500 a night (the house can
sleep up to 20 with the rollaways he'll supply but usually gets about 15 people).
When it comes to the decor of most of these homes, think beige, beige, and
beige. There are some upscale touches however, such as stainless steel appliances
and granite marble countertops, or large backyard areas including sparkling pools
and covered patios. Billiard tables, big-screen televisions, and DVD players are
also standard in Kershaw's houses, as are full-size washer dryers and a kitchen
equipped to impress Bobby Flay (down to cheese graters and cookie sheets). A
final satisfying touch—keyless entry to all of Kershaw's homes. This makes them
easier to share, as inhabitants need only to know the code to get in; and it ups the
security, as there are no door keys that could potentially be copied.
Kershaw offers discounts for “frequent renters,” including 2 free nights for
every 10 paid nights on your return visit. And, if you refer someone to Kershaw
Rental Home Costs
Size, location, amenities: These will shape the price of the vacation home you're
considering. But unlike hotel prices, condo rental rates don't bop up and down as
drastically when a big convention hits town or when the Super Bowl plays. To give
you an idea of what you might pay, I've pulled the following examples from
various websites. But remember that these are just sample prices; they were cor-
rect when I wrote this but may have changed by the time you read it:
1-bedroom/1-bath golf course suite: $75 per night, $550 per week
2-bedroom/2-bath: $85 per night
3-bedroom/3-bath: $110 per night, $799 per week
5-bedroom/3-bath: $249 per night, $1500 per week
